State comptroller: Texas drier than Tatooine in 2011

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has just released a report on the 2011 drought’s impact on the state, saying it may become one of the “most devastating economic events in our history.”

The report includes the following note:

As of October 1, 2011, Texas as a whole had received an average of about 11 inches of rain in the previous year, about 16 inches less than normal — and less than Morocco and Tunisia generally see in a year.

The report contains just a modest amount of damage information from the drought, and is more a call for action by the state to stop planning for water emergencies and to start implementing those plans.

Specifically, Combs endorses the Texas Water Development Board’s 2012 water plan:

Drought is an ever-present concern in many parts of the state, leading to pressure on our water infrastructure. According to the Texas Water Development Board, demand for water will rise by 22 percent by 2060. The board says that, should we experience another multi-year “drought of record” such as that of the 1950s, it could cost Texasbusinesses and workers $116 billion in income by 2060.

Every Texan has a stake in the water issues we face, and we can all take steps to reduce our own water consumption. Our office stands ready to assist communities, businesses and lawmakers in their efforts to ensure that our water resources remain plentiful for future generations.

Texas has spent tens of millions laying out a plan to meet its growing water needs. It has yet to spend the billions to implement many of those plans.

“Mos Eisley Spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”

The state needs to get booking on the drought. The Sahara was once lush grasslands-correct me if I’m wrong-but here we have the capability to manage our resources if we are entering a long term dry spell to prevent that from occuring.

It might also be wise to coordinate efforts with the surrounding states, including those in Mexico, because not doing so may result in some form of war.

Water will probably be the cause of future wars in at least some parts of the world, especially in Third World or Developing areas where a major river either forms an international boundary or flows across a boundary from one country to another.

Oh, where to start!!?! “I have a very bad feeling about this”? Or perhaps “We’re doomed – doomed, I tell you!”? Of course, the state legislature’s response is “We don’t need to see your data . . . these aren’t the facts we’re looking for . . . you can go about your business.” And speaking of Austin, “you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy”! OK, I’m done.

But the real Star Wars ended in the early 80′s. If we had Obi-Wan, Yoda, Luke and Han on the case instead of the sonograms or die crowd up there in Austin this long term water supply problem could be dealt with in short order.

shower once a week,
only drink bottled water that comes from out of state.
drink your scotch straight.
flush your commode once a day.
forget the roses
have a brown is beautiful year at your golf course.
ban swimming pools.